Drake Maye convinced Patriots fans with a throw that he is QB1

In the very first preseason game, New England Patriots fans got their first look at rookie quarterback and third-rounder Drake Maye, albeit in a limited capacity. On one offensive series, to be precise. But on Thursday night, Maye had a chance to really make his mark, as he was scheduled to play the entire second quarter and part of the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Maye showed why he was selected in the top three of the NFL Draft this year and why he was long considered the most promising quarterback. Yes, it was a 14-13 loss to the Eagles, but the result is not important in preseason – it’s how you play that counts.

Maye only threw for 47 yards, but his passing yardage total could have gone up. In the third quarter, Maye threw a long pass downfield to wide receiver Javon Baker, who had broken through defensive coverage. Baker lunged headfirst and Maye’s pass hit him in the hands. Baker was unable to catch the ball.

But that one pass convinced Patriots fans that Maye would be their quarterback and Tom Brady’s successor for the foreseeable future.

Let’s take a look at some of the reactions on social media following this pass from Maye and his overall performance.

Patriots fans were excited for Maye as he got more playing time. In addition to the long pass to Baker, Maye completed a pass to tight end Mitchell Wilcox despite Eagles pass rusher Nolan Smith jumping right in his face.

Maye also showed off his running skills. The rookie single-handedly scored the Patriots’ only touchdown of the game, which came on a four-yard rushing touchdown in the red zone. May saw a clear path to the end zone and didn’t hesitate.

Entering the season, it was assumed that Jacoby Brissett would be the starting quarterback with Maye in the starting blocks. Maye’s performance and Brissett’s brutal interception in the end zone early in the game may cause Maye’s head coach Jerod Mayo to rethink his plan.